Sunday, July 27, 2014

When a child is borngive a fragrance of familysomething resembling the scent of fresh Pomegranate

When a child is in the growinggive a fragrance of patriotismsomething resembling the scent of a stalk of wheat

When a child is studyinggive a fragrance of being on the topsomething resembling the scent of a bambooWhen a child is strugglinggive a fragrance of never dying attitudesomething resembling the scent of spear mint

When an adult gets marriedagain give a fragrance of familyto remind the beginning of a new cycle in life

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Born and brought up in Manchester
England, she enjoyed a successful career as a lawyer for over 25 years before deciding to have a complete change and she is now trying to be less of a
workaholic. She divides her time between the UK where she does some Consulting work and
occasional documentary programmes for BBC radio, and Tuscany in Italy where she has a wonderful travel business – Montisi Magica. She has 2 wonderful children
both grown up and independent now and a gorgeous cockapoo called Bella.

A very warm welcome to Ann Alexander and thanks for accepting an invite for this interview. Here we go...

You
fell in love with Italy many years back. When was this exactly and how did it
happen?

I had been going to Tuscany for some
years on holiday but I really fell in love with it when I spent a month in
Florence learning Italian in 2008.

What
was the reason behind you selling off your law firm?

My children grew up and my priorities
changed. I had had a wonderful and hugely satisfying career as a lawyer,
helping many people and changing systems for the better and I decided that I
wanted to do something completely different.

What
were various alternatives for you at that moment when you sold your law firm to
pursue as your passion or career, or both?

The two things I really wanted to do
were to learn to speak Italian and to make a documentary for BBC Radio 4 – and
I achieved them both!

You
decided to go for an intensive Italian course. When was this? How intensive was
this? And what was the reason behind going for this course?

I spent a month in Florence at the
British Institute learning Italian in a complete immersion course. I felt this
was the best way to learn. The teacher was amazing and after the first 10
minutes of the first class, she spoke no English! Before I began I had a
handful of words but once I’d finished the course which was huge fun I
understood how the language worked and was determined to try and speak
fluently.

How
do you define Tuscan life?

Living in a tiny village in the Tuscan
countryside is like living a dream! It’s stunningly beautiful, very relaxed,
full of amazing people and experiences and just so much to see and do. And the
food and wine? There is nothing like it anywhere else!

How
your awareness towards Montisi and the richness of its surrounding area happen?
When was this?

When I rented a house for a month in
Tuscany I visited Montisi for the first time. I fell in love with this
beautiful medieval hilltop village.

How
big is this area?

It is part of the Crete Senesi, a large
area of Southern Tuscany best known for its big skies, rolling hills and
signature cypress trees.

What
is so special about this area? It’s people? It’s culture and traditions?

It’s very beautiful – stunning scenery,
historic villages, friendly people and so much to see. They really live life to
the full and there are frequent festivals to enjoy.

What
makes Siena as one of your favourite places in the world? What is so unique
about it?

It is magical! Full of history, little
has changed in hundreds of years and the architecture is stunning.

Tell
us about the magnificent 3-day medieval pageant that happens every year?

The Giostra di Simone in August each
year records events from hundreds of years ago and the village holds dinners in
the streets, medieval processions and a contest on horseback between its
districts. Such fun – and I was honoured to be the Dame in the procession last
year.

What
various compliments have you received from your visitors?

So many wonderful compliments:

We have been lucky enough to have been on many holidays over the
years and this one has been up there with the very best. Ann promised us a
variety of walks, food and wine and most of all her personal attention. She
exceeded our expectations in every category. Nothing was too much trouble and
on every occasion did something which surprised us. She hasn’t got a Trip
Advisor page yet but when she does we’re sure all her reviewers will give her
top marks; we certainly will

Trudie and Will Kintish, September 2013

Ann, I just want to say
a huge thank you for organising such a wonderful week in Tuscany. Montisi
Magica certainly lives up to its name – it was a magical experience, created by
your warm hospitality and attention to detail. Nothing was ever too much
trouble and our smallest wishes or needs were met.

Sue Webster,
Independent Business Consultant, September 2013 UK.

The Tuscan dream...Ann Alexander dedicates her time and tailor
makes your personal holiday adventures and experiences with warmth, fun and
unforgettable memories! Every email to phone call to meeting in person, Ann
really goes the extra mile to ensure you have a wonderful Tuscan holiday.

...thank you from the Ellenthorpes - July 2013 X

Tell
us about the pilot week that you scheduled in October 2012. How many people
were there in the group and from which countries/ places? What did they enjoy
most during their visit there?

There were 8 people all from the UK – 3
couples and 2 singles and none of them knew each other even the singles. They
enjoyed the whole thing – the cooking, the touring, the wine tasting, the
eating! - encouraging me to start the business but best of all they have
remained firm friends and have had a series of reunions.

How
many such tours planned and executed in 2013? Please share some success
stories, wonderful magical moments and feedbacks received.

Testimonials above! We had cookery
weeks, mixed Creative Breaks and walking and wine touring in 2013 with more
planned for 2014. http://www.montisimagica.com/testimonials/

Tell
us about wine tour of Tuscany?

This was a 10 night wine tour of Tuscany
for a group of Canadian tourists who stayed in Florence and Pienza, each day
visiting, touring and sampling different wineries with all sorts of extras
thrown in including truffle hunting!

Who
is Giancarlo Caldesi and how is he associated with your mission?

Giancarlo Caldesi is a well-known
Celebrity Chef, born in Tuscany but living and working in London where with his
wife Katie he runs two Italian restaurants and a very successful Cookery
School. I met them when I went to their cookery school in Tuscany many years
ago and Giancarlo came to Montisi last year and recreated over 50 dishes during
a week’s cookery school for my guests. It was such a success that he is
returning for two weeks this year http://www.montisimagica.com/a-week-in-tuscany-with-giancarlo-caldesi/

About your education

I was educated in Manchester and London
and became a lawyer because I wanted a ‘proper’ career. In those days choices
were limited and I remember my maths teacher telling my mother that ‘girls
couldn’t become accountants’!

What languages you can speak and write?

English and Italian with a smattering of
French.

What is your biggest source of inspiration in life?

My late uncle who inspired me to become
the lawyer I turned into.

What are your future plans?

To continue to enjoy life and helping my
guests to have magical holidays in Tuscany!

Your origin of birth and other countries you have
visited/ stayed.

Manchester England born and I have
visited various parts of Europe, the US and Asia.

Your favorite time of the day?

Morning

Your zodiac/ sunsign?

Scorpio

Ann Alexander

Montisi Magica

“Turn your dreams into the reality of a truly
memorable Tuscan getaway”

Friday, March 28, 2014

Press Release

WorldMate Wins at EyeforTravel Mobile Innovation in Travel Awards

Third consecutive win for CWT’s mobile subsidiary

AMSTERDAM, March 27, 2014 – Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) has announced that WorldMate, its mobile subsidiary, has won ‘Best Mobile Travel User Experience’ at the EyeforTravel Mobile Innovation in Travel Awards, held on March 17 in San Francisco.

This win, in a category that recognizes companies that adopt new technology to create an optimized, prioritized experience for mobile visitors, marks the third consecutive year that WorldMate has won an award at the event, and means WorldMate has won every app competition it has entered since 2010. In 2013, CWT earned a double victory at the Awards, with WorldMate winning ‘ Best Mobile App’, and CWT ‘Best Mobile Strategy’.

Commenting on the win, Ian Berman, vice president, business development at WorldMate, said, “ We’re thrilled to be recognized for providing a great user experience, which is integral to our success. Our WorldMate app is used by over 10 million travelers, and we aim to provide each and every one of them an amazing experience while meeting all their needs prior to departure and on the road.”

David Moran, executive vice president, Global Marketing & Enterprise Strategy at CWT, added, “At CWT, we’re continuing to invest in our digital offering and in particular our mobile services as we look to our ultimate goal of becoming the app of choice for travelers and travel managers alike. We want to provide a personalized, seamless experience for travelers wherever they are, however they choose to engage with us.”

Mobile solutions form an integral part of CWT’s offering to clients and their travelers. CWT’s mobile app, CWT To Go, which is powered by WorldMate, recently added Windows phone to its platforms and currently has a 4.5/5 star rating on Apple’s App Store. Developments planned for later this year include hotel booking capabilities and further platform launches. About CWT CWT is a global leader specialized in managing business travel and meetings and events. CWT serves companies, government institutions and non-governmental organizations of all sizes in more than 150 countries and territories. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and leading-edge technology, CWT helps clients derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of savings, service, security and sustainability. The company is also committed to providing best-in-class service and assistance to travelers. In 2013, sales volume for wholly owned operations and joint ventures totaled $26.9 billion. As part of its commitment to responsible business, CWT is a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact Ten Principles. For more information about CWT, please visit our global website atwww.carlsonwagonlit.com. Follow us on Twitter @CarlsonWagonlit.

About WorldMate WorldMate has served over 10 million business travelers by managing their itineraries and then guiding them through every aspect of their trips. This includes real-time flight alerts, hotel & car rental booking, weather forecasts, maps, currency converters and much more. For more information visit www.worldmate.com.

Charters offer a way for a group of people knowing each other to travel in comfort and Maharajas Express royal charter is the world's leading luxury train offering royal charters.

(TRAVPR.COM)INDIA - March 27th, 2014 - Maharajas Express proudly announced the first Charter Trip scheduled for this season. In the wake of global interest in the world's top luxury train and the fact that it has won the WTA award twice in succession, the Royale Maharajas Express has become one of the most desirable royal train trips of all time. A Japanese group has chartered the Maharajas Express and the world's most luxurious train will operate ahead on its charter on 20th April 2014.

"We are all highly excited and anticipate 20th April 2014 when the Maharajas Express charter trip will commence. This time, it is a Japanese group that will be enjoying Indian royalty aboard the world's best luxury train. In addition to this, there are other 6 Charter bookings on the final stages which are from Russia, Middle east, Europe and US for this approaching season" announced a representative of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), Indian Railway's catering wing handling the Maharajas Express operations in India.

That the Maharajas is a cut above the rest can be seen from the fact that it has been winning awards at a world level since it commenced operations in 2010. We have won the Conde Nast Traveler Award 2 01 1, the CNBC Travel Award 2010 and the World Travel Association 2012 and 2013 award under the category, 'the World's Leading Luxury Train', dramatically underlining how far and above it is from the others. Get details of tours and itineraries from the website.

Maharajas Express welcomes individuals to opt for Maharajas Train package and, at the same time, is equally focused on Charters & niche MICE segment on a royal scale, perhaps the start of a conference or meeting on board. Should a corporate organization so desire it, they are fully equipped to arrange meetings, conferences and exhibitions aboard the world's most luxurious train.

Niche MICE train tours offer something extraordinarily elevated from conferences in hotels or similar venues and contribute hugely to raising a brand value and projecting an incomparable image, according to the spokesman.

They have taken note of special preferences and shall have Japanese chefs on board to prepare their favorite recipes. The accent being on royal Indian cuisine, Maharajas shall, of course, have esteemed chefs waiting to delight Japanese guests with princely concoctions.

This chartered royal train trip was concluded after extensive negotiations when Maharajas conclusively proved to our Japanese guests why the world's leading luxury train is the best way to go.

Luxury 3 night trip to the world famous Palio Di Siena. A lifetime experience with a unique location: a private window facing Piazza del Campo. But the journey doesn't stop here; VIP assistance, luxury transfers, private dining and 5 star Hotel are just some of the ingredients of this incredible experience. And of course everything can be customized to make this weekend as unique as you!

(TRAVPR.COM)ITALY - March 28th, 2014 - This exciting horse race, dating back to the 13th Century, has been run on the 2nd July and 16th August every year without a break for the last 800 years - and is what the amazing city of Siena is all about.

The history and tradition surrounding the Palio attracts thousands of visitors each year. Come and join us this year for an incredibly special 3 -night luxury trip to see the August Palio.

Experience the race itself and everything that goes with it accompanied by local people who really know their way around!

Your Vip experience will start as soon as you arrive to Italy. Our VIP assistants will meet you at the airport, help with lugguages and escort you to your class S Mercedes. After a scenic trip you will arrive to your hotel, an ancient village restored in a 5 star luxury hotel and golf course.

Regenerate yourself with luxury Spa treatments, understand the history of this amazing city , visit the ceremonial allocation of the horses, and experience a private fine dining dinner.

For the race we have a private and exclsuive window overlooking Piazza del Campo only for you and your beloved.

Sit in , relax and enjoy the race! The day after we have a private tour to San Gimingnano with an exclusive private dinner inside an ancient tower.

The sea-fronted Santa Tecla Palace Hotel is celebrating the beginning of 2014 season adding the Foodie's legend "Granita & Brioche" along with a great selection of traditional Sicilian Delicacies to the breakfast options offered to guests.

(TRAVPR.COM)ITALY - March 28th, 2014 - The Foodie's legend "Granita & Brioche" along with freshly squeezed fruit juices (lemon, organe, citrus), cornetti, crostate, biscotti alle mandorle, panelle, crocchette di latte, piccoli calzoncini, piccole arancine and fruit, all fresh and local produce, are just a few of the Sicilian delicacies that Santa Tecla Palace will be adding to its breakfast options as of this April.

The 182-rooms hotel is a sea-fronted retreat that lies in the foothills of Mt. Etna in Acireale, on the east coast of Sicily just between Syracuse and Taormina and only 30min drive from Catania Fontanarossa International Airport.

It's extraordinary on-sea location combined with the breath-taking views across the azure blanket of the Ionian Sea, the Timpa of Acireale and the amazing slopes of Mount Etna; the pool that gives the illusion that you are swimming off the cliffs into the crystal-clear blue waters of the sea, its romantic outdoors, the putting green and the tennis courts, are just a few of the hotel's inviting attractions.

Santa Tecla Palace with its unequalled brio and grandeur is committed to convert guests' desires and dreams into everlasting experiences unveiling a world where guests are the centre and everything revolves around them; inviting them to wander, savour, feel and ultimately enjoy a delightful stay.

For the past 18 years, Steve Garelick and his team at Central Chauffeur have been providing chauffeur services in London and throughout most of Great Britain. Their site Cruisetransfer.com caters to affordable-luxury travel and transport and has free online quote and reservations accommodations for old and new customers alike. They have now announced that they have extended these services and are offering cruise transfers services in Rome (Civitavecchia) and Barcelona for their clients.

The company has a toll-free reservation service option for travelers from North America, Australia and the United Kingdom with direct calling. Also available are airport transfers from Heathrow and Gatwick. This offer even includes transfers to and from major airports throughout the UK from: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, London City, Southampton, Dover, Harwich, and more.

Steve Garelick spoke recently on this expansion- "A key request we have received over the years was to provide service beyond Great Britain. Rome and Barcelona are just the first in becoming a fully international chauffeur company for our beloved clients."

Launched in 1991, Cruisetransfer.com has become the premiere transport service that is available 24/7 in the United Kingdom. Central Chauffeur operates the site. The corporation, which is made up by a conglomerate of companies, specializes in professional ground transportation services, cruise transfers, and airport transfers for travelers. Their site provides simple and easy hotel transfers, airport transfers, and port transfers right from the comfort of home. The company have been a Gold Member of London and Partners (London's Tourist Board) since 2000.

Getting a free quote or making a reservation only takes minutes with easy to fill out forms and secure online payment options. The company prides themselves on the core principle "to aim to provide higher quality cars, knowledgeable drivers and great service." This expansion is just the first of many to follow this year.

World Snow Awards winner SNO.co.uk has created the ultimate Easter ski holiday resource, with the world's first online graphs of average snow depths in the most popular resorts and the ten best secret spots, including less well known resorts with the best Easter skiing, plus video interviews with travellers naming personal favourites.

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - March 3rd, 2014 - Summary: World Snow Awards winner SNO.co.uk has created the ultimate Easter ski holiday resource, with the world's first online graphs of average snow depths in the most popular resorts and the ten best secret spots, including less well known resorts with the best Easter skiing, plus video interviews with travellers naming personal favourites.

Body: World Snow Awards winner Sno is the first to provide detailed average snow depth graphs for the world's best Easter ski holiday destinations. Alongside their searchable database of many thousands of Easter ski deals, SNO.co.uk includes 3 year snow depth graphs created with data from NOAA (the North Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the global repository of weather forecasting data).

With video interviews comprised of top Easter recommendations from local experts who live in the Alps, plus real skiers and snowboarders who regularly travel there, Sno has created the ultimate guide to choosing Easter ski deals "that don't suck!"

The information on Sno is presented as graphs of historic average snow depths, which enable skiers and snowboarders to determine skiing conditions of both (i) the top ten "most popular" resorts and also (ii) skiing conditions in the top ten "best snow at Easter" destinations. For the first time, consumers can easily see the difference between the conditions they are likely to experience in one of the world's top ten best resorts, versus the best possible riding available in the holiday destinations that have most ideal conditions at Easter.

Below are examples of Easter ski accommodation in resorts with the best snow over the last three Easter holidays:

Chalet Genepy in Zermatt, Switzerland from £738pp from Gatwick.

Converted by its architect owner from a traditional 19th century 'Mazot', the Génépy is ideally located for both skiing and après ski. It is in the heart of the resort, a moment from the main church square, just 6 minutes' walk from the Klein Matterhorn ski-lifts and 10 minutes to the scenic Gornergrat railway. See Zermatt Easter ski deals for more options.

Chalet Hotel du Montet in Val d'Isere, France from £828 from Gatwick.

Specially built for us in 2012, this charming Chalet Hotel is our Val d'Isère flagship! It is ideally located in Le Fornet, one of the most picturesque parts of the resort, and provides a fantastic base for those looking to be first on the mountain. See Val d'Isere Easter ski deals for more options.

Chalet Hotel de Verbier, Switzerland from £529pp from Gatwick

Conveniently located on the "Place Centrale," Chalet Hotel de Verbier provides a superb base from which to explore Verbier and the spectacular "4 Valleys" ski area.

Chalet Rosanna in St Anton, Austria from £631pp from Gatwick.

Excellent central location in St Anton, just 3 minutes from the centre. The Rosanna is steeped in history and is furnished in very attractive traditional Austrian style. The bedrooms are charming with pretty painted bedsteads and wardrobes adding to the character and warmth; all are en suite, either with bath or shower and most have a balcony.

Boilerplate: Sno are the UK's number one expert in finding and booking ski holidays. "Prove it!" >> In winter 2013/2014 they were crowned winter of The Telegraph's "World Snow Awards" in category "Best Specialist Agency". Sno is participating in the EU funded Innovating for Growth programme, having been identified as a business with potential to drive growth in the UK economy.

Their website has detailed advice on over 1 million package ski deals and catered chalet accommodation, live and updated daily on Sno.co.uk, departing from all of the UK's major and regional airports and flying to the world's top 200 winter-sports destinations.